Vance walked in. He had that concerned look he

alright? I hear

ming a subtle barrier around him, as if prot

aid, her voice softening. "Eth

cern. "Ethan, I hope there's no misunderstand

e word wa

into securing funding for. It was important to me, a way to give back,

e" it, for experience, she

t. Redirected. Siphoned off to one of Jules's so-called charitable

t failed. When I'd questioned

alous of his connection to "real people." Ava had

evoid of warmth. "Your timi

bristled

ke that," Maya snapped.

ch incubator. My project. You remember i

arded. "Of course. It was a

. "For you, or for Ju

hat money was reallocated for a more pressing need

the funds? Without consulting the Ainsworth F

Chloe said stiffly. "Somet

"While a project designed to build actual skills in the community was

use Jules is more effective at helping people

ules has a good heart, Etha

. It was a deliberate choice. They had hitched their wagons to

thought she could play me. Maya, the attack dog. Ava,

out Sophia Valeriano stands. The Gala

Their defense of him, their dismissal of my efforts, it